My grandmother's copper pans hang in my kitchen, and every fall, before the holidays, they turn dull brown and blotchy. The tarnish is just a thin layer of oxidation, and a mild acid with a gentle scrub lifts it off. Half a lemon and a spoonful of salt is all I use for the pans; for brass candlesticks with lots of detail, I make a soft paste with flour, salt and vinegar. It is easy, it smells nice, and it costs almost nothing.
What you need
- 1 lemon, cut in half
- 2 tbsp (about 30 g) fine table salt or kosher salt
- 2 tbsp (16 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 to 3 tbsp (30 to 45 ml) distilled white vinegar
- 2 soft cloths
- 1 soft toothbrush
How to do it
- Check the piece first. Many modern brass and some copper items are lacquered: they have a clear protective coat and should only be washed with soapy water, because acids and rubbing will damage that coat. Also hold a magnet to it: if it sticks, the piece is only plated over steel, so polish very gently. Test on a hidden spot.
- Wash the item in warm soapy water to remove dust and grease, then dry it.
- For pans and smooth surfaces: dip the cut side of the lemon into the salt and rub it over the tarnish with light pressure. You will see the brown fade to bright pink-orange copper as you go. Add more salt as needed.
- For brass and detailed pieces: mix the flour and salt, then stir in vinegar until you get a paste like toothpaste. Spread a thin layer, leave it 10 to 15 minutes, then work it into the details with the soft toothbrush.
- Rinse thoroughly in warm water. Any acid left behind will cause new spots, so be generous.
- Dry immediately and completely with a soft cloth, then buff until it shines. Wet copper air-dried will streak.
Good to know
- Do not use the lemon on the tin or stainless lining inside a pan, and never use steel wool on copper.
- Heavy, black tarnish may need a commercial copper polish; the lemon works best on regular dullness.
- A very thin layer of mineral oil or wax on decorative pieces slows down new tarnish.
- Some people like the dark patina on antiques; polishing removes it for good, so decide before you start.
Half a lemon, a little salt, and those copper pans glow on the wall again. Do one piece this weekend and watch the shine come back right under your hand.
